Master this deck with 20 terms through effective study methods.
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The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are the two most important Hindu scriptures, containing epic narratives that explore themes of duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality.
Hinduism is considered an umbrella term because it encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, practices, and traditions that vary significantly among its followers, making it difficult to define as a single, unified religion.
Brahmins, the priestly class, and the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts, play a crucial role in Hinduism by providing spiritual guidance, rituals, and the foundational philosophies of the religion.
Dharma refers to the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life, encompassing duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the right way of living.
Karma is the principle of cause and effect where a person's actions (good or bad) influence their future, affecting their current life and future reincarnations.
Atman is the concept of the individual soul or self, which is considered eternal and is ultimately identical to Brahman, the universal soul or ultimate reality.
The Bhagavad-Gita illustrates the interconnectedness of Karma (action), Dharma (duty), and Samsara (the cycle of rebirth), emphasizing that fulfilling one's Dharma leads to good Karma and influences the cycle of Samsara.
Reincarnation is often viewed negatively in Hinduism because it signifies a cycle of suffering and attachment to the material world, and the ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) from this cycle.
The Bhagavad-Gita is one of the most important Hindu texts, providing philosophical guidance on duty, righteousness, and devotion, and is part of the larger epic, the Mahabharata.
Western Yoga often emphasizes physical fitness and postures, while Eastern Yoga focuses on spiritual development and the philosophical aspects outlined in texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Hindu gods are often seen as manifestations of a single divine reality and have distinct personalities and stories, whereas the Abrahamic faiths typically emphasize a singular, transcendent God.
The Trimoorti refers to the three principal deities in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), each fulfilling a unique role in the cosmic cycle.
Brahman signifies the ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy, representing the source of all existence and the essence of the universe.
The three paths to liberation in Hinduism are the Jnana path (knowledge), the Karma path (action), and the Bhakti path (devotion), each offering different approaches to achieving moksha.
The Yoga path of Patanjali outlines a systematic approach to spiritual development that integrates ethical conduct, physical practices, and meditation, leading to self-realization and liberation.
Three significant symbols of Hinduism are the swastika (representing auspiciousness), the Om symbol (representing the sound of the universe), and the lotus flower (symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening).
It is challenging to define 'Hinduism' as a singular religion due to its vast diversity in beliefs, practices, and sects, which can vary widely across different regions and communities.
Rituals in Hindu practice serve to connect individuals with the divine, mark important life events, and reinforce community bonds, often involving offerings, prayers, and ceremonies.
Hindu beliefs about the divine are reflected in worship practices that include offerings, prayers, and rituals directed towards various deities, acknowledging their diverse manifestations and roles.
Festivals in Hindu culture play a vital role in celebrating religious beliefs, community bonding, and the changing seasons, often involving elaborate rituals, feasting, and cultural performances.